Metin Akay, Ph.D., the founding chairman and the John S. Dunn Endowed Professor of Biomedical Engineering, has been awarded the 2024 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Engineering Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS) Academic Career Achievement Award in recognition of his groundbreaking work in innovative medical technologies.
"The IEEE Engineering Medicine and Biology Society is the oldest and largest biomedical engineering society globally, with a membership of 13,000. This award has been previously bestowed upon many esteemed colleagues whom I greatly admire, so I am truly delighted to join their ranks,” said Akay. “Receiving this award is a tremendous honor.”
Akay was recognized in Orlando earlier this summer alongside colleague John Rogers, who received the Society’s Medical Technology Award. Rogers received an honorary doctorate from the University of Houston in 2021.
Notable past recipients of the Academic Career Achievement Award include Bob Langer and Nicholas Peppas, renowned for their contributions to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, cardiac pacemaker inventor Wilson Greatbatch, and artificial heart assistance device co-inventor Walter Welkowitz. 2023 recipient Kam Leong of Columbia University is celebrated for his pioneering work in bio-nanotechnology.
“The mission behind this award is to acknowledge outstanding contributions in biomedical engineering by researchers and educators who have distinguished themselves through their careers,” said Akay. “I was recognized for my pioneering work in early brain cancer diagnosis, coronary occlusion detection, and the development of novel neurotechnologies for addiction management.”
Akay’s innovative research includes the development of drug direct-delivery systems for the treatment of brain cancer, non-invasive tools for the detection of coronary occlusion, and imaging tools to monitor neural responses to addictive substances. All three technologies have made significant impacts on modern medicine.
Moving forward, Akay plans to focus intently on healthcare innovations and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the translation of research into practical products.
“I am both humbled and honored to receive this award, knowing that many deserving candidates have been nominated over the years. This recognition is a unique and humbling experience,” Akay said.
“My vision is to foster an environment that promotes innovation and entrepreneurship in healthcare. I aim to develop a curriculum that aligns with the dynamic global economy’s demands, influencing healthcare technology, management and delivery. My goal is to translate research into tangible products that benefit our institutions, states and country. I believe that science should enhance the well-being of people."